Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on George C. Wallace
34 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Colson, Nixon
President Nixon and John D. Ehrlichman met to discuss domestic policy concerns, focusing primarily on the political implications of court-ordered busing and the recent public statements made by Alabama Governor George C. Wallace. The pair also addressed the progress of revenue-sharing initiatives and discussed the distribution of Arthur A. Shenfield’s speech regarding American discontent. The meeting served to align the administration's stance on these contentious social and economic issues.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to place an urgent call to Cornelia Wallace following the attempted assassination of her husband, Governor George C. Wallace. The President sought to contact the First Lady of Alabama personally to offer his support during the unfolding crisis. This interaction highlights the immediate political and personal response by the White House to the violent attack on the presidential candidate.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon consult on whether the President should attend a scheduled Blue Room reception following the shooting of presidential candidate George C. Wallace. Concerned that a jovial appearance would be inappropriate given the somber political climate and historical parallels to the Kennedy assassinations, the couple discusses alternative options, including having a surrogate read remarks or making a brief, solemn appearance. The President concludes the call without a final decision, opting to confer with H. R. Haldeman before committing to a course of action.
President Nixon called Cornelia Wallace to express his concern and offer prayers following the assassination attempt on her husband, George Wallace. Mrs. Wallace provided an update on the Governor's condition, noting the presence of a bullet near his spine and ongoing medical complications involving his liver. The President offered encouragement by comparing the resilience of politicians to Theodore Roosevelt's experience after being shot, emphasizing George Wallace's reputation as a fighter.
John B. Connally calls Senator Edward M. Kennedy on behalf of President Nixon to offer him full Secret Service protection following the recent shooting of George Wallace. Connally emphasizes that the President considers Kennedy highly vulnerable and insists on providing security regardless of legal interpretations regarding candidate status. The two agree to begin with temporary arrangements while coordinating with Secret Service leadership, with Connally urging Kennedy to accept the protection for his own safety.
In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Governor George C. Wallace, President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, and Charles Colson utilized White House telephone lines to coordinate an information pipeline with Secret Service Director James J. Rowley. The discussion focuses on gathering immediate intelligence regarding the assailant, Arthur H. Bremer, and ensuring the White House receives critical details—such as the purchase of the weapon and the suspect's background—ahead of media reports. Parallel to these operational efforts, the participants also discussed the political impact of the administration's recent Vietnam policies and the President's upcoming summit in Moscow.
H. R. Haldeman and President Nixon separately contacted Attorney General Richard G. Kleindienst to coordinate the federal response to the attempted assassination of George C. Wallace. Expressing deep concern over potential intelligence gaps and negative media influence, the President urged Kleindienst to ensure the FBI secured immediate access to the suspect for interrogation. Kleindienst confirmed the suspects were in local custody and provided updated information regarding the identity of the assailants, ultimately agreeing to the President's directive to establish federal jurisdiction and expedite the transfer of custody to federal authorities.
Secret Service official Thomas J. Kelley briefs H. R. Haldeman and President Nixon on the identification of Arthur Herman Bremer as the suspect in the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace. Kelley details Bremer’s background, including his purchase of the weapon and prior arrest record, while confirming that no other conspirators are currently suspected. The participants discuss security measures to ensure the suspect’s safety while in custody at the hospital to prevent a situation similar to the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby.
Charles W. Colson and Kenneth W. Clawson discuss the ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of George C. Wallace. Clawson provides intelligence updates, noting that the FBI traced the perpetrator's gun to a recent purchase in Milwaukee by Arthur H. Bremer. Colson instructs Clawson to keep him updated every 15 minutes and to ensure any new findings are immediately relayed to him at the Oval Office.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and FBI Associate Director W. Mark Felt discussed the aftermath of the assassination attempt on George C. Wallace. The participants focused on the background of the assailant, Arthur H. Bremer, specifically exploring potential political motivations, his anti-war connections, and rumored ties to Edward M. Kennedy. The group coordinated on the FBI's investigation and the necessity of verifying these rumors to ensure accurate reporting to the President.
President Nixon and his personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, discuss scheduling matters regarding a trip to Camp David and Woods's personal commitments following a recent death in her family. The conversation shifts to the security implications of the assassination attempt on George C. Wallace, with the participants evaluating the mental state of the assailant, Arthur Bremer. They conclude by debating the necessity of heightened Secret Service protection for other political figures, including Edward M. Kennedy and John B. Connally.
President Nixon, Joe D. Waggonner, Jr., and H. R. Haldeman discussed the immediate aftermath of the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace. The conversation centered on the status of the investigation into Arthur H. Bremer, including concerns regarding evidence recovered from his apartment and the coordination between the FBI and Secret Service. Furthermore, the participants evaluated the medical prognosis of Wallace following his surgery and debated the political and physical propriety of a presidential visit to the hospital.
President Nixon met with an unknown woman to discuss diplomatic and domestic administrative matters, including upcoming travel to the Soviet Union and her own recent trip. The conversation touched upon the President’s perspectives on George C. Wallace and involved the handling of an urgent packet for Secretary of State William P. Rogers. Additionally, Nixon expressed frustration regarding the lack of professional courtesy shown to Don Kendall by Department of Commerce officials concerning ongoing trade negotiations with the Soviets.
President Nixon met with his personal secretary, Marjorie P. Acker, to briefly coordinate administrative matters regarding Dr. William M. Lukash. The discussion focused on scheduling a meeting between the President and Dr. Lukash, as well as clarifying the status and location of George C. Wallace following a phone call. This meeting served as a logistical update to manage the President's immediate calendar and communications.
President Nixon consulted with his physician, Dr. William Lukash, regarding the medical status of Governor George Wallace following the recent assassination attempt. They discussed the extent of Wallace's injuries, including the risk of paralysis, his prognosis for recovery, and the logistics of potentially transferring the governor to Bethesda Naval Hospital. Additionally, the President inquired about the condition of the Secret Service agent wounded in the attack and reviewed public relations strategies with his staff to manage the dissemination of these sensitive updates.
President Nixon met with his Cabinet and key staff to discuss the upcoming departure of Secretary of the Treasury John B. Connally and to address broader administration matters. The discussion covered the timing of administrative changes, the transition of economic policy responsibilities to George Shultz, and the status of ongoing federal investigations following the recent shooting of George C. Wallace. Connally reflected on his tenure as Treasury Secretary and his future plans, while the President reaffirmed his commitment to his current economic program and leadership agenda.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to strategize the press narrative surrounding Treasury Secretary John B. Connally’s resignation, specifically aiming to preempt speculation linking the departure to the recent shooting of George C. Wallace or Texas political dynamics. They discussed the content of the President’s statement, emphasizing that the timing was pre-planned during a January meeting in San Clemente rather than reactive. Additionally, they touched upon the personal transition for Nellie Connally, comparing her reluctance to leave Washington with the Nixons' own past experiences with relocation.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discussed the logistics and potential political optics of a presidential visit to Governor George Wallace, who was recovering in the hospital following an assassination attempt. The two men also reviewed the ongoing 1972 election landscape, specifically examining George Wallace’s impact on third-party ballot access and the surprising momentum of George McGovern’s campaign through grassroots organizing. Nixon concluded the call by reflecting on the challenges of maintaining his own physical schedule and rest in anticipation of an upcoming trip to the Soviet Union.
President Nixon consults with his personal physician, Dr. Walter R. Tkach, regarding the health and recovery schedule of White House valet Manolo Sanchez and the worsening medical condition of Governor George C. Wallace following his assassination attempt. The President coordinates a recovery plan for Sanchez to vacation in Florida and discusses the potential risks of moving Wallace to Walter Reed Hospital due to complications from his wounds. Nixon determines he will make a quiet, private visit to see Wallace, while continuing to send regular updates and well wishes to the governor.
President Nixon and H.R. Haldeman discuss the medical status of George C. Wallace following an infection that delayed his transfer to Walter Reed Hospital. Nixon considers the logistics and political implications of visiting Wallace, tasking Haldeman with consulting Dr. Lukash and the Secret Service regarding a potential helicopter arrival at the hospital. The conversation concludes with administrative arrangements to have a courier transport documents and the President's dog, King Timahoe, to Camp David.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout of the assassination attempt on George C. Wallace and how to frame the incident to benefit the administration. Nixon directs Colson to have his staff research and plant historical parallels—specifically regarding Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman—in the press to counter liberal narratives about societal violence. Additionally, they strategize on exploiting Democratic divisions by attacking George McGovern and Hubert Humphrey on contentious issues like busing, amnesty, marijuana, and abortion to alienate key Democratic voting blocs.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman coordinated the logistics for a clandestine visit to George Wallace, who was recovering at Holy Cross Hospital, to discuss Wallace's potential political alignment with the administration. The two also reviewed scheduling for upcoming meetings with Soviet officials and congressional leaders regarding the approaching Moscow summit. Additionally, they deliberated on the optics of gift exchanges between heads of state, specifically deciding to frame the reciprocal gifting of a Cadillac and a hydrofoil as a formal government exchange to mitigate public relations concerns.
President Nixon consulted his physician, William M. Lukash, to receive a medical update on George C. Wallace following his recent assassination attempt. Lukash reported that while Wallace’s morale was improving and he was gaining weight, his paralysis appeared to be permanent and he continued to struggle with a localized infection. The President concluded the call by instructing Lukash to inform the Wallace family that he had inquired about the governor’s condition and expressed his support.
President Nixon met with H.R. Haldeman, Richard Kleindienst, and Caspar Weinberger to address a wide-ranging agenda including Social Security legislation, death penalty policy following Supreme Court rulings, and security preparations for the upcoming national political conventions. The discussion also covered the health of George C. Wallace and administrative personnel matters. Finally, the group engaged in a detailed dialogue regarding the burgeoning Watergate investigation, specifically focusing on the contents of E. Howard Hunt’s safe, FBI involvement, and potential strategies to manage the political fallout and legal ramifications of the break-in.
President Nixon met briefly with Beverly J. Kaye to discuss her California lodging arrangements before consulting with Alexander P. Butterfield on official administrative matters. The discussion covered a status report on the Vietnam War and logistical planning for providing presidential transportation to Governor George C. Wallace for his travel to the Democratic National Convention. Nixon explicitly prioritized coordinating these travel arrangements through H. R. Haldeman while factoring in Wallace’s current health status.
President Nixon and H. R. Haldeman met to discuss strategic considerations regarding a potential meeting with George C. Wallace. The discussion focused on the political implications of such an engagement and how it might fit into the administration's broader electoral agenda. No specific action items were finalized beyond the initial conceptualization of the encounter.
President Nixon met with Rose Mary Woods and Stephen B. Bull to coordinate administrative tasks and discuss sensitive political matters. The conversation covered logistical arrangements for providing the film *Sunrise at Campobello* to George C. Wallace and addressed Elmer Bobst’s urgent recommendation that the President seek legislation for capital punishment regarding hijackers and kidnappers. Additionally, the participants touched upon the health and behavior of Martha Mitchell and the associated stress placed on John Mitchell amid the ongoing ITT and Watergate controversies.
President Nixon called John O. Marsh, Jr. to express appreciation for his ongoing work with the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Commission. Nixon relayed positive feedback from Charles Colson and John Connally regarding Marsh’s performance and specifically praised his handling of sensitive matters involving George Wallace. The President concluded the call by affirming his total confidence in Marsh’s ability to manage his current responsibilities.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed security concerns regarding the upcoming Republican National Convention and the safety of the President's family. The President addressed potential logistical challenges and security threats, specifically pledging to secure protection for George C. Wallace. Additionally, they touched upon travel arrangements involving Robert H. Abplanalp’s plane and the use of military base facilities.
President Nixon and Senator Barry Goldwater discuss Goldwater's upcoming meeting with George Wallace, with the President requesting that he convey his personal well-wishes and offers of medical assistance to the wounded governor. The conversation shifts to the 1972 campaign, where they critique media allegations of Republican 'dirty tricks' as a non-issue outside of Washington. Goldwater proposes a strategy of using 'reverse English' by suggesting that Democratic operatives were responsible for the political mischief, to which Nixon encourages him to continue his aggressive campaign rhetoric.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss Rebozo's recent meeting with George C. Wallace, during which Wallace expressed strong appreciation for the President's previous visit. The two men also touch upon personal schedules, including upcoming travel, potential future visits to Camp David, and arrangements for John and Martha Mitchell to dine at the President's residence in Key Biscayne. Additionally, Rebozo briefly updates the President on ongoing real estate operations.
President Nixon initiates a phone call to Alabama Governor George C. Wallace through the Camp David operator. The conversation is limited to the President requesting the operator's assistance in facilitating this connection. No substantive policy discussion or further interaction is captured in this brief administrative exchange.
President Nixon consulted with the Camp David operator to facilitate a telephone connection with George C. Wallace. This brief exchange served as a logistical arrangement to reach the Alabama governor, likely to discuss current political matters or administrative coordination. The primary action item resulting from the discussion was the initiation of the call to Wallace.
President Nixon met with Representative Jack Edwards and an Alabama delegation to discuss regional development projects and demonstrate support for his administration’s policies. The participants highlighted the Tennessee Tombigbee River project and exchanged praise regarding the repatriation of prisoners of war, specifically citing the strength and patriotism of Captain Jeremiah Denton. Nixon also used the session to cultivate political ties in the South, discussing the recoveries of Senator John C. Stennis and Governor George Wallace while coordinating legislative outreach through Secretary George Shultz.